DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON OXIDE NANOFILLER REINFORCED POLYURETHANE FOAM-GLASS FIBER SANDWICH COMPOSITES
Rathika M.1, Paul Vizhian S.2, Ashwini V.3, Srinuvasu N.4
1Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVCE, Bangalore, India
(Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore), India
2Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVCE, Bangalore, India
3Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVCE, Bangalore, India
4Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India
Abstract: This study focuses on the development and mechanical characterization of Iron Oxide Nanofiller Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Glass Fiber (INPGF) sandwich panels. Two sets of panels-without and with varying iron oxide filler contents (1-5 wt. %) were fabricated using a hand lay-up process with Polyurethane (PU) foam cores and glass fiber face sheets. The influence of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) on the panels’ mechanical performance was experimentally evaluated through three-point bending, flatwise compression, edgewise compression, and drop-weight impact tests. Results reveal that increasing iron oxide content enhances bending strength, compressive resistance, and impact energy absorption, with 3-5 wt% providing the best balance between stiffness and toughness. The incorporation of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles improves stress transfer, interfacial bonding, and crack resistance within the foam core, significantly increasing load-bearing capacity and damage tolerance. These findings demonstrate the potential of INPGF sandwich composites for lightweight structural applications in the aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors, where enhanced impact resistance and mechanical strength are crucial.
Keywords: Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) Nanofiller, Polyurethane Foam Core, Impact Energy Absorption, Stress Transfer & Interfacial Bonding
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 08 2026: 22 – 40